Canada to Foster Quantum Photonics Collaborations

Canada’s National Research Council has set out on a mission to foster development of next-generation photonic sensors and quantum encryption systems.

The Quantum Photonic Sensing and Security program is aimed at forming partnerships to translate research into technology that will boost Canada’s future economy.

Stephen Mihailov, group leader for security and disruptive technologies at the National Research Council of Canada, aligns an optical system for writing fiber Bragg gratings used in sensors that operate in extreme conditions. Courtesy of the National Research Council of Canada.

“NRC is looking 10 years ahead and developing new solutions as conventional photonics technologies reach their performance limits,” said Dr. Danial Wayner, vice president of the organization’s Emerging Technologies Division. “Canada is in a unique position to de-risk applications of quantum-enabled technologies, and bring Canadian innovation to market more rapidly.”

The National Research Council is seeking partnerships with academic, government and financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and companies focused on defense and security, IT and communications, and resource extraction and refinement.

Applications will focus on quantum encryption capabilities, photonic sensing equipment for the efficient extraction and processing of natural resources, and the ability to detect hazards from a safe distance using lasers.

For more information, visit www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.